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Zimmerman fate following acquittal uncertain

Following his acquittal on all charges in the fatal shooting death of Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman will spend no time behind bars.

But that's about the only certainty in the former neighborhood watch volunteer's immediate future.

The Department of Justice has announced it will look into the case, which could lead to criminal civil rights charges, and Zimmerman may also face civil lawsuits from Martin's family.

He could also potentially make a lot of money by writing a book or from a lawsuit he filed last year against a major television network for allegedly editing his 911 call to police to make it sound like he was racist.

For the moment, however, veteran publicists say Zimmerman's options are limited.

The case and his trial have become — for some — a symbol of everything that's wrong with the country's justice system, and with race relations in America today.

The six-member jury's not-guilty verdict late Saturday prompted a wave of anger among civil rights leaders and others, and protests have erupted across the country. Image handlers say Zimmerman needs to take that anger, and potential death threats, seriously.

"I have one short piece of advice for him," said Jonathan Bernstein, president of the Southern California-based Bernstein Crisis Management Inc.

"Hide."

Hiding is not an unfamiliar feeling for Zimmerman, whose last known appearance in public was on Feb. 26, 2012, the night of the shooting: He was headed to Target to do his weekly grocery shopping before he encountered Martin.

Zimmerman has been living a hermit's life since then and during the months leading up to his highly publicized trial. And now, despite the acquittal, it is unlikely that he will ever be able to do something as mundane as grocery shopping — at least not unaccompanied — for a very long time.

Security experts and crisis management pros say the former neighborhood watch volunteer must immediately get a security plan in place. This could involve hiring an expensive team of bodyguards or consultants who will assess whether the threats against him are credible.

Richard Davis, the operations director for The Bodyguard Group of Beverly Hills, said that if Zimmerman were to hire his firm, he would have a stable of former Navy SEALS and Special Forces guards looking out for his safety around the clock. They would relocate him to a safe home (probably in a large city where he can blend into a busy community), quietly file court paperwork to change his name and create a "protective bubble."

"No one enters the bubble," said Davis, whose company has provided security for A-list celebrities and politicians. "It moves with you."

Davis described what he thinks is the optimal security plan for someone in Zimmerman's situation: a big team of guards for the initial few weeks following the verdict, a cross-country move, and an armored car. Restaurants would have to be pre-screened, exercise would have to be done in a home gym and a trip to the movies would be out of the question.

"You can't go in that store alone, you can't go to the movies ever, unless you rent out the whole theater for yourself," he said. "A movie theater is a death trap."

All of this isn't cheap. Davis estimates that it would cost $3,000 a day initially to pay for such security. But if it keeps Zimmerman alive, he said, it's a small price to pay.

To be sure, there are less expensive security and bodyguard options. But all will cost money — and Zimmerman, who worked as a mortgage underwriter prior to the shooting, isn't independently wealthy.

At one point following the shooting, Zimmerman had his own website and raised $200,000 for his legal defense. His family and attorneys also have set up separate fundraising websites, but it's unclear how much they have raised.

Zimmerman's attorneys say that their client hasn't worked since the shooting. Of course, people in high-profile cases sometimes win lucrative deals to write books or sell their life stories so they can be made into a movie or television program.

Bernstein said if Zimmerman was his client, he would advise against this right now.

"If he's doing a book deal, he should keep it quiet, and don't come out with a book in a hurry," said Bernstein, adding that he would advise Zimmerman not to speak to the news media in either paid or unpaid appearances.

"The more you talk, the more you are a target," he said. "The court has spoken for him. The best thing he could possibly do is go below the radar."

There's also the possibility of further legal action against Zimmerman — some of which could impact any money that he makes.

Martin's family could sue Zimmerman in civil court, much like Ronald Goldman's family did with OJ Simpson. Any proceeds Zimmerman makes from a book or movie deal could be turned over to the Martins, if a civil jury were to find him guilty.

And then there is the possibility that the Department of Justice could bring a federal hate-crime charge against Zimmerman. While legal experts say this is unlikely, Zimmerman could be forced into paying for more lawyers if it does happen.

Veteran publicist Glen Selig said in the coming weeks and months, Zimmerman should let others speak for him and avoid most, if not all, publicity. By speaking to the news media about the case, Zimmerman risks making the story about him — and not about the larger, more complicated issues of race and justice.

"I would clearly advise him not to become the lightning rod for this issue," Selig said.

Emotions over the case are running high, especially among those who think Zimmerman should have been found guilty, said Scott Sundby, a law professor at the University of Miami.

"The hard thing about the law sometimes is that we can have intuitive responses that an outcome is not fair but that doesn't necessarily mean that the law was not followed," Sundby said.

"The criminal justice system is often an imperfect system of handling wrongs that occurred. Many acts we feel were unjust will go unpunished by the law because of larger issues as to why the system is set up that way."

Comments

Unassumer

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 7:50pm

Someone will wipe that smile off his face. I think maybe he'd better look up Casey Anthony for advice on hiding out after acquittal.

JudgeMeNot

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 8:01pm

Doubt it. Nobody wiped the smile of Casey's face yet.

bondgirlM

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 7:14pm

No one has wiped the smile off of OJ's face yet either!

Mum-of-One

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 11:42pm

Runyan v. State (1877) 57 Ind. 80, 20 Am.Rep. 52, is one of the earliest cases to strongly support and establish in U.S. law an individual's right to initiate self-defense actions up to and including the justifiable use of lethal force against an aggressor.
In Runyan, the court stated "When a person, being without fault, is in a place where he has a right to be, is violently assaulted, he may, without retreating, repel by force, and if, in the reasonable exercise of his right of self defense, his assailant is killed, he is justiciable."

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:14am

Trayvon was without fault, in a place where he had the right to be, and had every right to be left alone. No surprises here though, blacks have systematically been denied justice for decades.

Tsu Dho Nimh

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:59pm

How do you figure he was without fault? Did he or did he not start the fight the resulted in his death? He did not deserve to die but he clearly made a poor choice when he started beating Mr. Z. Young people need to learn that fighting and violence is not how to react when someone angers you.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 5:39pm

We do not know who started the fight. If I were to feel threatened I might react the way Trayvon supposedly acted! GZ was young once. Was he taught that? GZ was the angry one. TM was simply walking in the dark! GZ made the poor choices. He should have remained in his car!

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 9:11pm

So we don't know who started the fight. Well that would leave room for reasonable doubt, now wouldn't it? We shouldn't convict people if there is reasonable doubt. Did reasonable doubt help you get acquitted of your charges?

Mystery_Cheese

Sat, 07/20/2013 - 12:08pm

So your response to someone following you is to start a confrontation with that person? Bad move. If someone is following you, you call the cops, and run with all your might back to your house, while screaming for help. Scream rape, scream fire, scream anything, but don't attempt to confront the person. That's the worst thing you could do.

Both men made bad choices that night. Both men have paid for those choices in horrible ways.

reporter54

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 7:51pm

If you ever want to kill someone, go to Florida. You'll get acquitted and live happily ever after on your book rights.

JudgeMeNot

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 8:02pm

It was self defense. Have you not been following the trial?

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:15am

Do you really think you would still be alive if I pounded your head on the concrete as many as 24 times? C'mon dude?

JudgeMeNot

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 7:59pm

Zimmer is free to go lil dog.

arnmcrmn

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 8:20pm

Self defense. Trial over. :)

margaritaville88

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:42am

Seems like a lot of black folk on here that still won't accept the truth...

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:17am

Seems to me like a lot of whites on here don't believe in justice for black people, especially black men!!

No humor just fact, dispute the facts, lets hear your racist spin on this one

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:45am

Why do I need to have any kind of spin? It is not my responsibility to administer justice. That is LE's job. Ask them whatever it is you want answered!

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:59am

Show your support for a mentally challenged unarmed man being shot dead with no justice for his family. OH YEAH the dead person isn't BLACK so it don't fit your racist views. No need for justice huh

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:29pm

It is always about race with you! Why is that? This entire case was about equal justice not race. Of course, there is a racial undertone but it was not created by me. You have NO clue about me or my views. Don't be upset with me because you are black. I had NOTHING to do with that!

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:01pm

I never brought race into this I am just calling it like I see it.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 5:34pm

So am I!

Tsu Dho Nimh

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:08pm

In all fairness, you and Big Dog are the two posters bringing up the fact that Trayvon Martin was black. Both of you have said that black males are targets. I am not seeing race being brought up by others except to show that there are many examples of other races being killed.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 5:44pm

I do not remember saying black men are targets but they do not get a fair shake from LE! There is no way you can't see race! Keep it real! Name a race or anyone shot while walking in the rain minding their own business! Don't forget about the black part.

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 7:17pm

Did you forget about the child in a stroller shot point blank by a teen this past spring. Think it was in Georgia. The child wasn't black but the shooter was. Don't you think a mother should feel safe to walk with her child during the day? I think the child was minding his own business.

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:27pm

Of course you wouldn't see racism brought up on Fox news.

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 9:13pm

Sounds like you watch a lot of Fox news since you know so much about it. Personally, it's not my news source of choice.

grumpy

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 8:30pm

-Some folks aren't happy with the rule of law. They want revenge, which is against the law. But then I guess they have no respect for following the laws set down by their elected representatives.

JudgeMeNot

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 8:36pm

Zimmer is free to go deerwacker.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:20am

It is obvious you have no problem with the killing of young black men. Zimmerman is not as free as you think!

Tsu Dho Nimh

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:10pm

This is what I am referring to, Deertracker. You are focusing on race.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 5:03pm

I was not responding to your comment!

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 7:18pm

Don't like your inconsistencies pointed out?

margaritaville88

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:41am

LIKE

Pterocarya frax...

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 8:59pm

OJ was found not guilty too. Look how well it turned out for him. I doubt Zimmerman has seen the last of his court time.

grumpy

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 9:02pm

It looks like the FBI has hobbled the DOJ if they try to make a case for a civil rights violation

Way to go George! Nice easy win that was. I'd hide gz out anytime he just needs to find a small Conservative town where the people will stand by him. Whites better wake up and realize we are losing liberties , rights and freedoms and the more we give into these folks the faster it will be when we're eventually slaves. They cry equality but will never be happy or never enough. Where was the big time media when that girl and her two children were murdered by a black that was released after murdering a previous white woman blacks weren't crying about that injustice. Blacks have the stop snitching policy that stop their own from receiving justice but want justice if it involves another race killing a black. It's ok to call whites cracker but we can't say ni$$er it goes on and on

eriemom

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 10:24pm

Seriously? I won't even mark this as inappropriate.

Get over yourself.

margaritaville88

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:39am

huronguy..Right on !! Trial, evidence, jury, and JUSTICE !! Why do some people not get the facts! Prejudice sure is backwards these days. Leave this guy alone. The law is the law, but some do not like the law apparently. Those people always want to blame someone else. Wake up AMERICA !!!!!!!

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 9:43am

Racists come in all shapes sizes and colors yes they even come in black. sounds like all you have to do is look in the mirror to see what a racist looks like

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 10:24am

From Huron real surprise there NOT REALLY

jmac08

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 10:52am

well said... also in florida we have a law that is a shoot to kill... and if your life is in danger you may take a life and as soon as trayvon started bashing his head in concrete... he was lawfully aloud to shoot him... and if its your life or theirs what you gonna do .. esp. when the teen is searching for the gun moving his hand around when he was on top of zimmerman.... not to mention this kid has priors in fighting.... ya george is big but hes fat not a fighter and trayvon was just that.. so tell me who had advantage in this fight. and clarification... zimmerman is spanish not white. so blacks and whites have nothing to do with this case maybe black and spanish but not black and white.

Eph 2 8-10

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:06am

Zimmerman is NOT Spanish. His mother is from Peru. They do speak Espanol in Peru, however.

jmac08

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 7:03pm

he is hispanic..... damn ohioians are so dumb!!! there are more spanish than just mexican and peru is spanish....

rezzy

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 9:15pm

Wow!!! Are you kidding me? Doesn't matter, this case won't get any play from the department of justice. They're just trying to please the NCAAAP or whatever their name happens to be.

margaritaville88

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:40am

Amen..

reporter54

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:09am

It happens to be NAACP National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:21am

Where they trying to advance too? Above and beyond everyone else. They spread hate and racism like the white racists.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:48am

You are so full of it!

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:04pm

A unbiased non racially motivated view your right I am full of that. It's called reality why don't you try tracking some of that

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:35pm

Reality is a young black man is dead just for walking in the rain. He was being followed and probably had no idea why because he was doing no wrong. What about that don't you get? The kid had every right to be there and protect himself. It's over! One day you will find out that your white half DOES NOT COUNT! My condolences when that day arrives!

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:39pm

So glad you were there to fill us in on the facts, speculation is all I read. I could care less about which one of my sides count, I have seen racism from both sides this is exactly why I stand here saying screw you racists from either side.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:00pm

What about the post is not factual? It's not surprising neither blacks or whites want to claim you!

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:09pm

I need no one to claim me I'm fine just being me. Try it without the hate you will find life's better that way. Free from all the hatred,I was born into a racist family and chose to break that chain, you just keep adding links that's what's needed

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:26pm

How did you break it? You were born into a racist world. Racism is a learned behavior. Seems like all you did was add another link!

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:36pm

Racist view, I teach my kids right from wrong minus the racist hate

Tsu Dho Nimh

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:16pm

I would say a young man is dead just for walking in the rain. Would you please clarify what he was protecting himself from? Did Mr. Zimmerman strike or push him? Did Mr. Zimmerman throw an object at him causing bodily harm? It sounds like Trayvon did not like being followed which does not equate to protecting himself. It is a shame that it happened and my heart breaks for his family.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:30pm

He protected himself from a stranger. GZ APPROACHED HIM WITH A GUN. Do you want to be followed in the dark by someone with a gun? What would you do or tell your son to do?

Tsu Dho Nimh

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 2:00pm

I do not believe the gun was exposed until after the fight was started so I will have to ask you again, what was the young Mr. Martin protecting himself from?

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 3:48pm

A 204 pound stalker.

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:00pm

Let me see if I understand this right, you think it make sense that a boy SCARED by a 204 pound MAN would turn around and start a fight? Why would you start a fight if you didn't think you would win? You must have little dog syndrome.

Mr. D

Tue, 07/16/2013 - 5:08pm

Not a squeaky clean boy at that!

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 3:49pm

A 28 year old 204 pound MAN.

Tsu Dho Nimh

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 3:54pm

What did this 204 pound man do to him?

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 5:05pm

Do I need to draw you a picture? GEE!!!!!!!!!!!

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:20pm

Please do. I'm having a difficult time seeing how being followed justifies physically attacking someone. Would I be scared if I were being followed? Absolutely. Why would a scared person not run away?

Mystery_Cheese

Sat, 07/20/2013 - 12:17pm

I'd also like to see the definition for stalking. I was pretty sure that in order to stalk someone, you had to be following them multiple times, or over a long period of time. Not to mention stalkers tend to focus on one person, not a random man walking through a neighborhood, who they are reporting to the police. America is clearly forgetting what certain words mean.

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:23am

What color might that be? In reality it should be for the advancement of all people

margaritaville88

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:53am

Excellent point !! What if the were an NAAWP (National Association for the Advancement of White People) ?? Not trying to stir things up at all, just sayin........

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:59pm

Nice try! You are trying to stir the pot. Start a NAAWP if that is your desire.

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 3:55pm

There is a NAAWP. It's called the Ku Klux Klan.

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 10:13pm

So is the NAACP the black version of the KKK? Sure sounds like that's what your saying.

Mystery_Cheese

Sat, 07/20/2013 - 12:18pm

Yeah, you JUST proved everyone else's point. With your logic, the NAACP would be the Black Panther party.

Rabbi

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 9:49pm

Word on the street is that a group of St. Mary's students are organizing some fundraisers to bring Zimmerman to Sandusky to "clean things up."

Blowfish

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 10:18pm

Those fund-raisers are for their tuition.

Blowfish

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 10:17pm

Can GZ claim Stand Your Ground now? If successful, he is immune from civil liability as well. His best bet is to offer a nice settlement to Travon's family then make a ton of money on the Fox News circuit.

rezzy

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 10:25pm

Zimmerman was released? I'm blaming President George Bush! No wait, that was the phrase from the last four years.

KURTje

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 10:31pm

As our president stated: We are a nation of laws." We must accept this

REGARDLESS, of what that jury concluded in Florida, as your FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT, I have instructed Eric Holder, your FIRST BLACK ATTORNEY GENERAL to find ANOTHER LAW that we can pin on this WHITE HISPANIC for the benefit and satisfaction of those of us who view the verdict as a MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE.

"Department Of Justice Leaves Door Open To Civil Rights Suit Against Zimmerman":

That is YOUR translation pooh. Zimmerman is HISPANIC Period! Stop trying to get things started about the President. The verdict s a MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE. It's not the first and won't be the last! Check out your other translation below!

Contango

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:32pm

Re: "The verdict s a MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE."

Glad you agree with MY translation of Pres. Obama's political speak. :)

The NY Times referred to Zimmerman as a "white Hispanic." Lefty newspaper yes?

Yeah, the Obama-holes need to keep lying to themselves that it's not about race. LMAO.

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 3:59pm

One, Two, Three strikes your out pooh.

Contango

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:43pm

Re: "Three strikes your out"

"Your"?

And YOU'RE still an illiterate DERPY. :)

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:47pm

You're still OUT!! Hit the road Jack!

Contango

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 7:41pm

Re "You're (snip)"

AND you STILL haven't answered the question. :)

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:22pm

These two never do when they know they're wrong.

gramafun

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 7:48am

this was a victory for "stand your ground" laws everywhere. The color of the parties is secondary to everything. Had things been reversed and the a black slain a white you would NOT be hearing a thing from the black community but "it was justified" and "he did the right thing". You can count on it. They are unhappy because they wanted a pound of flesh on this one. From the beginning, the black leaders like Ms Ali, Jesse Jackson and others fanned the flames of racism as much as possible to MAKE it racism. Until that time, it wasn't anything more than another stand your ground killing and everyone knew that...but once THEY got on board it became a racially motivated problem with marches and hate-filled problems. We can thank THEM for making this what it is now.

The prosecutors never had a shot at getting a guilty verdict here. The jurors never had any other choices BUT to follow Florida law and find him not guilty. Its over...both men were racists. Let it die out now. Stop beating the drums and move on. Case closed.

Go back to Jodie Arias and put her away or to death and forget what has finished. Move on to the next cases waiting. The State VS Zimmerman is now history. Lets not beat it up any more. I feel sorry for the family, the young man who lost his young life but it IS over.

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:00pm

Why are you so quick to want to go back to the Old West?

starryeyes83

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 7:54am

Don't kid yourselves . IF any one of us would have been in his shoes we would have done the same damn thing. It 'll be a cold day in hell before I let anyone try to beat on me without defending myself , BY ANY MEANS I HAVE TO USE!

That's why it's self defense.

There has been no national public outcry when whites get killed by blacks or blacks getting killed by other blacks like everyday in CHICAGO.

Hmm ... why is that?

Contango

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:02am

Re: "CHICAGO."

2010: Nearly 700 CHILDREN were shot, 66 of them died.

If there was a (bleeping) disease that killed 66 children, the feds would be asking questions and the media would be ALL OVER IT!!!

Where's the POTUS, where's the media, where's the OUTRAGE?

UgtaBkdnMe

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 9:21am

Wouldn't you think the president would be more active in addressing the crime in Chicago? It's his home. I can't even imagine what the young people in Chicago have to deal with on a daily basis.

dorothy gale

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 9:52am

IF I had been in his shoes, I never would have gotten out of the car. I would have waited for the PROPER authorities to arrive. This is not about race, it is about a man who decided HE had the authority to take the law into his own hands.

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:26pm

I agree that GZ played a part in setting the stage. However, he wasn't doing anything illegal. I'm sure the jury struggled with that.

reporter54

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:10am

and if someone was following me, I would turn around and confront them and punch them in the face if necessary. Martin was the victim here and a court of law and many Americans fail to see that fact.

dorothy gale

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:19am

Thank you! What about Trayvon's right to walk down the street without being stalked? Maybe he feared for HIS life but he can't tell us about it, now can he? GZ took that right away from him as well!

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:27am

Come to my neighborhood and you will be followed and watched if you don't live there no matter your color. I wouldn't suggest punching anyone tho

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 11:54am

Why? Is it because you fear all your precious belonging will be taken regardless of the color? What would you suggest? Just stay out of YOUR neighborhood? Why not put a big concrete wall around YOUR neighborhood? You need to get in the real world kid!

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:28pm

Yes your correct I'm a kid like a 50 yr old kid. We look out for all in our neighborhood regardless of color. Choose to try to commit a crime and you will get caught by one of us. Homeowners that is, I look after my investments that I worked hard for, no handouts welfare food stamps etc. it's called being responsible for your life try it sometime.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:50pm

Well 50yr. old, you are not the only homeowner out there nor the only person with a flat screen tv. You are not the only person that has worked for a living without the need for help. GET OVER YOURSELF ALREADY!

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:03pm

Amen. That 50 year old has some serious issues.

Darwin's choice

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:46pm

Well, hello head cheerleader! Obama finally let you out from under the desk?

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 5:08pm

Ease up on the spinach Dagwood!

sandtown born a...

Tue, 07/16/2013 - 10:09am

Yes sir I have issues, especially with racists like deercrap and pound puppy 2 of the biggest racists to comment thus far

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:46pm

What would you have done if you had been in Martin's shoes? What do you tell your kids to do? Do you tell them to follow young black men?
Hmmmmmm??????? Do you tell them to be aware of their surroundings and to defend themselves if necessary? This was a CLAIM of self defense!

grumpy

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:26pm

I wouldn't have put myself in Martins shoes. First I wouldn't have confronted someone following me, even though I have a CCW and usually carry when walking at night. Second I wouldn't have struck someone for following me. Third I wouldn't have straddled someone and kept striking or slamming their head on the ground or sidewalk. I would have called the cops, walked or ran home or back to the store or somewhere there were people to either help me or scare the follower away.

I have done so (walked away went back where I came from) a couple of times when walking in new places, even though I was carrying a firearm.

I wouldn't have done what Zimmerman did either. I might have/ probably would have, followed him if I had been in my neighborhood. I wouldn't have gotten out of my truck when I saw the stranger again. I would have called the cops and followed or made sure the stranger had a place he was going, by watching.

That being said, if some stranger in my neighborhood was acting strangely, walking slowly in the rain and looking around, I would have called the cops also would have kept an eye on him till he got where he was going or the cops came.

In other words as far as I am concerned both Zimmerman and Martin made mistakes. The biggest mistake was when Martin attacked Zimmerman. That was when the law was first broken. After that the witnesses told us who was on top. From then on it was a fight. In a fight you don't know the intentions of the other person. Will they stop beating you when it is claer they "won" the fight? Or will he not stop till the loser is dead? If you say the "winner" will stop, and the loser has no idea who the "winner" is what do you base your conclution that the winner will stop before the loser is dead? What will you guarantee that with? The word of the stranger who attacked you? Really?

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:40pm

So you wouldn't have put yourself in that situation even though you carry a weapon while walking at night? Which is it? If you bang anyone's head against the pavement at least two dozen times, as claimed by GZ, that person would be too dead to shoot anyone!

grumpy

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:49pm

I wouldn't confront some stranger. I carry when out walking at night. I wouldn't be banging some stranger's head, or anyone's head, since I avoid confrontations. The people who do make confrontations should know that starting fights are against the law. They will be spending time in court and if found guilty either pay fines, get probation, go to jail, or some combo of tose things. They might even get shot if they jump the wrong person. But then some people feel the need to make confrontations and roll the dice. It is a STUPID thing to do.

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:06pm

If he banged zim's head on the concrete as many times as you righties claim he would be dead.

grumpy

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 5:30pm

I have not seen where I claimed how many times his head was slammed. Nor does it matter what anyone says now. The only thing that mattered was what was sworn to in court. The only peoples opinion that mattered was the jury's opinion. They already made that. So all your whining about it is just white noise. But it is fun to point such things out to you.

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:14pm

More important what would you tell your child to do if they are followed?? OH YEAH you only possess a one sided racist view

grumpy

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:35pm

When my son was a high school athlete, not overweight/under 140 lbs, and the stranger was a short, squat, overweight older guy, I told him to run. Either home or back to the store. I sure as heck wouldn't have told him to attack the stranger and ground and pound him. My son also took karate since he was 7 and was good at it. But you don't use it if you can avoid confrontations. Starting fights rarely is the smart thing to do. But then the law says that starting fights is breaking the law. I would rather not go to court or jail for starting fights. You may have different preferences and like to go to court and jail.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:42pm

My preference is to protect my self, not run like a scared little bug

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 7:30pm

That's the underlying problem with our youth and violence today. They are not being taught that a real man avoids confrontation and will walk away from it whenever possible. They are too worried about their pride and the flack that they might get from others for not standing up for themselves. It is a shame that this young man didn't walk away. A scared little bug would still be alive instead of 6 feet in the ground.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:44pm

I always taught my kids self preservation! I did not teach them to act like a wuss!

grumpy

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 1:57pm

You prefer to roll the dice and hope when you attack someone they don't have the ability to hurt or kill you. How very enlightened of you. I hope your kids disregard your teachings.

Tsu Dho Nimh

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 2:29pm

I hope so, too, because the person whom they attack may have been taught self preservation.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:53pm

Self preservation does not mean attack!

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:27pm

So why did the 17 year old attack the man?

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 2:44pm

2 in the same self preservation/ wuss I choose to be a live wuss than a dead thug

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:54pm

Well you would just be DEAD!

sandtown born a...

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 2:48pm

Travon wasn't gonna be a so called wuss either it worked out so well for him.

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:08pm

Yes zim was a wuss. Letting a 17 year old take him down. Sissy.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 4:56pm

Exactly! Never underestimate your opponent! With or without a gun!

grumpy

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 5:06pm

So it is your position that it is better to break the law, than to do the smart thing. How many times have you started fights? How many times have you been Arrested for starting fights? You are making yourself sound like an e-thug sitting in his mom's basement telling the world through his computer how tough he is. Sad to see people doing this. But it doesn't surprise me that you and your BFF are doing so.

deertracker

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 5:13pm

Since you asked, I have never started a fight. I have only been arrested once and acquitted once. I'm really am a laid back no drama kind of guy unless you insist on something else! However, I truly believe and exercise my 1st Amendment rights!

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 5:40pm

Nobody knows except Trayvon and zim who started the fight. Facts not in evidence pooh.

grumpy

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:21pm

Sounds like you are making the case for reasonable doubt for the defense. I thought you claimed that Martin was attacked by Zimmerman? Or are you now claiming reasonable doubt?

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:29pm

Sure sounds like reasonable doubt. The jury made their decision on the evidence provided and followed the laws.

sandtown born a...

Tue, 07/16/2013 - 10:15am

Yes that 17 yr old THUG learned how to deal in society huh. His SISSY self took out the thug didn't he? No rules when someone is attacking you

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 7:31pm

Walking away doesn't make one a wuss. It takes more courage to walk away.

The Big Dog's back

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 8:39pm

So zim doesn't have courage either. Remember, zim was the adult in this situation.

whazup

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 9:25pm

I have not said that Zimmerman should have followed Martin. I have repeatedly said that following someone is not against the law. The law was broken when the fight broke out. The law allowed Zimmerman to use whatever force necessary to stop the threat and apparently the jury believes that Trayvon started the fight.

starryeyes83

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 9:41pm

Deer,

I have stated many times that I chose not to have kids. Therefore, your scenario is a moot point. Also, I'm not in an area which is populated by blacks...so there shoots your theory down. I don't give a damn what color they are , they threaten me, I defend myself.

Or do you condone men attacking women and children?

As I recall, you defended the guy who stabbed his 3 month old baby cousin to death, did you not?

Is that a pattern with you?

You sound a bit paranoid to me.

deertracker

Tue, 07/16/2013 - 8:17am

Your memory is failing you badly. I did not "defend" the guy I merely suggested it may have been some type of mental breakdown which it was. I don't have a scenario but I do have kids. If you are not in an area where you come into contact with blacks you have no idea what blacks experience. It's called self preservation. That is all the kid was trying to do. Protect his own life. I have no issue with anyone defending themselves but that option applies to ALL of us! Do you condone killing young black teenagers? Perhaps you need to look up the word paranoid. Also, what's with the women and children comment? It is people like you that want to quiet other's opinion you do not agree with. There's always more than one viewpoint. Logic is also very important to the thought process.

Mystery_Cheese

Sat, 07/20/2013 - 12:30pm

Self-preservation would've been calling the police, and running home. Not confronting someone. Also, you seem to bash on anyone with a different viewpoint than your own. That's like the pot calling the kettle a pot.